A former Beaminster school teacher has realised a lifetime’s ambition and raised thousands for charity doing it.

Stephen Yates has always wanted to see the Great Wall of China and as a change from raising money running marathons – at the last count it was something like 11 full marathons and 26 half marathons – he decided to walk 150 kilometres of it.

He also raised £3,000 for the NSPCC.

Mr Yates said: “The change physically and emotionally during the many months of training and fundraising was huge.

“I set a personal target, which has already been exceeded.

“For me there was a tremendous feeling of positivity and friendship among the people I walked with, which will last in the memory.

“When you do what you fear most, then you can do anything. After completing this section staying in lodges, I travelled on the overnight sleeper to experience the diverse culture of the ancient City of Xian and to see the Terracotta Warriors, where I nervously watched acrobats and Chinese orchestras, traditional dancers and sampled the many varieties of East/West foods.

“Since my return I have already completed a series of five acrylic paintings about my experience on the Great Wall of China.”

It was his painting that helped Mr Yates reach his target.

He held a series of ‘quick draw’ public occasions when he produced a large acrylic painting in 90 minutes, before auctioning it off.

He also ran painting courses on Charmouth beach.

He added: “The group I went with consisted of 28 strangers, now great friends. Between us we raised more than £70,000 for the NSPCC.”

The retired art and design teacher knows first-hand how important help is.

When he was sexually abused from the age of six to nine there was no Childline to call on.

Mr Yates said: “I wish I’d had as a child a chance to call someone.

“That would have made a huge difference to my life.

“It has affected my life; it does change you and for a lot of people it ruins their lives.”

His abuser had a Second World War Luger and threatened to kill him if he told anyone.

He said: “That’s effective and a huge reason to keep quiet.

“It was very, very shocking.”

“I am not ashamed anymore and I think it is probably the best way forward to let people know that abuse can ruin your life, but it doesn’t have to.

“It is about being strong and overcoming those enormous difficulties.

“It is a lot more common than I ever thought until I started to find out myself.”

He had 18 months of therapy and was finally able to let go of the guilt after his therapist helped him understand he was not to blame.